Swiss Cheesed: Playfully Suspended & Perforated Staircase

By Loef

Step one was to preserve this historic residence as much as possible – the next steps were to use non-structural solutions to make everything else feel dynamic and modern.

In elevation (or section) the copious perforations draw the eye to this offbeat centerpiece while also opening up views and letting light across the room, as does the absence of risers – all the more fun for the two young children of the clients.

In plan, the odd-angled steps add another element of playfulness (as well as functionality, for the staircase is rather rather steep).

At the bottom, the piece was additional held off the floor, reinforcing its role as an additive element that might indeed one day be removed should other aspects of the building be restored. (Stairs by Biljana Jovanovic and photos by Gerardo Altemir)